A new Assistant Director has boosted Calderdale Council’s Children and Young People’s Services senior management team, taking on responsibility for delivering strategic improvement in education and inclusion across the borough.
Mark Randall joined the local authority in May 2019, taking on the role from Steve Evans, who was seconded from his post as Head Teacher at Rastrick High School and Sixth Form until the recruitment process was completed.
Having spent 20 years in teaching and education, Mark joined the Council from the GORSE Academies Trust where he was an Executive Principal, responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction to five primary schools.
He has an excellent track record working with schools to improve standards in education. Mark previously led school improvement in Wakefield. During that time the proportion of schools judged to be good or better by Ofsted improved significantly.
Mark has also regularly led inspections on behalf of Ofsted, across the North East, Yorkshire and Humber.
In his new role as Assistant Director – Education and Inclusion, at Calderdale Council, Mark has responsibility for education from early years to post 16, special educational needs, school admissions and adult learning across the borough.
The Council’s new Assistant Director, Mark Randall said:
“I’ve joined the local authority at an exciting time, there’s a real ambition here, particularly to deliver Vision 2024.
“The new Sixth Form Centre is scheduled to open in the next academic year, which will provide over 600 places for local young people. Calderdale’s secondary schools are performing well, 85% of our primary schools are good or better and at the end of last year school exclusions had reduced by 50%.
“We’re determined to do all we can to make sure our young people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.”
Calderdale Council’s Director for Children and Young People’s Services, Julie Jenkins said:
“I’m delighted to welcome Mark to the team. His breadth of experience will help us to support our schools in their drive to deliver an outstanding education for the children and young people in Calderdale.
“I’d also like to thank Steve personally for his contribution to the Council over the last 11 months, during which he supported me and my colleagues with his invaluable knowledge and expertise.”
Where do we want to be by 2024? How will the Calderdale of 2024 be different from the place it is now? What ambitions do we share? Join the conversation by following #VisionCdale2024 on social media and visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision.